In a bold and controversial move, Iran has cut off its people from the rest of the world, leaving loved ones abroad in a state of panic and uncertainty. This drastic action, taken amidst raging protests, has effectively plunged the country into darkness, making it difficult for the world to witness and understand the situation on the ground.
Iran's theocratic regime, following a well-rehearsed playbook, has severed internet and telephone connections, disconnecting its 85 million citizens from the global diaspora. Despite facing sanctions over its nuclear program, Iranians had previously been able to access blocked content using virtual private networks. However, this latest move has sharply limited the flow of information, making it challenging for protesters to share their stories and images of the nationwide demonstrations sparked by the country's ailing economy.
And here's where it gets controversial: Iran's decision to cut off communication channels could provide cover for a violent crackdown on protesters. The Trump administration has already warned Iran's government about the consequences of further deaths among demonstrators.
As the country goes dark, the Iranian diaspora, like Azam Jangravi, a cybersecurity expert in Toronto, is left anxious and unable to focus on their daily lives. Jangravi, who opposes the Iranian government, expresses her concern: "You can't imagine the anxiety of the Iranian diaspora. My family and friends are at risk, and we are helpless."
Even Starlink, a potential lifeline for protesters, is likely being jammed by the Iranian government. This is the third time Iran has shut down internet access, with previous instances occurring during the 2019 gasoline price protests and the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations. Despite the government's illegalization of Starlink, its receivers have become more widespread, playing a crucial role in sharing videos and reports of the protests.
But there are challenges. Since its war with Israel, Iran has been disrupting GPS signals, likely impacting Starlink's ability to connect to its low-orbit satellites. Experts like Amir Rashidi suggest that Iran may be employing advanced jamming techniques, similar to those used in Ukraine by Russia.
The International Telecommunication Union has called on Iran to stop jamming, but Iran has been advocating for the cessation of Starlink service to the country at the ITU.
The situation is dire, and time is of the essence. With limited information flowing out of Iran, the world is left in the dark about the true extent of the protests and the government's response. As Jangravi puts it, "It's really hard to use Starlink, as it could lead to execution, but not using it means the world knows even less."
And this is the part most people miss: the extreme violence faced by protesters makes nonviolent resistance unsustainable. Unless there is a significant change in the next few days, these protests could fizzle out. Any help or support for the protesters needs to come soon, or the world may never truly understand the full story of what happened in Iran.
